PETROL sales have increased but supplies are not running out, according to a Blackburn service station-owner.

Hundreds of staff at an oil refinery in Scotland were on strike over pensions, but government and industry bosses insist there is enough fuel to meet demand.

Yusuf Jan-Virmani, who owns Naz Self Serve on Accrington Road, said sales were up 50 per cent.

He added: "There is enough petrol, although it sometimes takes longer to arrive at the moment. We nearly ran out on Saturday.

"People are buying more than you would expect, but until service stations in Scotland start running out there will not be a problem."

The strike, on Sunday and yesterday, closed a pipeline system which carries a third of the UK's daily North Sea oil output.

But the Retail Motor Industry Federation, which represents fuel retailers, has said there is at least 70 days' stock of fuel.